Air conditioning zoning method

Abstract

In the case where the set temperature of two indoor units located far away is the same at a certain time, it is possible to classify the two indoor units into the same air conditioning zone in the related art. The air conditioning zoning method classifies a plurality of indoor units (20) into one or more first air conditioning zones (Z1) in an air conditioning system (1). The air conditioning system (1) has a plurality of indoor units (20) and a control section. The control section acquires values of set temperatures from the plurality of indoor units (20) as time-series data. The set temperature indicates a state of the indoor unit (20). The control section calculates a degree of agreement for one or more combinations. The combination is constituted by at least two indoor units (20) included in the plurality of indoor units (20). The degree of agreement is an index of similarity between the time-series data. The control section classifies the plurality of indoor units (20) into the first air conditioning zone (Z1) based on the degree of agreement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for air conditioning zone control. Background Technology

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-009895), there is a technology that classifies multiple indoor units into one or more air-conditioning zones based on the set temperature of multiple indoor units at a specific time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] For example, in the case of two indoor units that are far apart but have the same set temperature at a specific time, there is a problem in Patent Document 1 that it is possible to classify the two indoor units into the same air-conditioning zone.

[0005] Methods for solving problems

[0006] The first-viewpoint air conditioning zoning method classifies multiple indoor units into one or more first air conditioning zones within an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system has multiple indoor units and a control unit. The control unit obtains the values ​​of a first parameter from the multiple indoor units as time-series data. The first parameter represents the state of the indoor unit. The control unit calculates a first index for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units included in the multiple indoor units. The first index is an indicator of the similarity between the time-series data. The control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into first air conditioning zones based on the first index.

[0007] In the first viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, the control unit obtains the values ​​of a first parameter from multiple indoor units as time-series data. The control unit calculates a first index for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units included in the multiple indoor units. The first index is an indicator of the similarity between the time-series data. Based on the first index, the control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into a first air conditioning zone. As a result, the air conditioning zoning method can more accurately classify multiple indoor units into one or more air conditioning zones.

[0008] In the second viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, the first parameter is a parameter that is jointly controlled among multiple indoor units.

[0009] The third viewpoint of the air conditioning zoning method involves a control unit calculating a first index for one or more combinations, in contrast to the first or second viewpoint air conditioning zoning method. A combination consists of two indoor units comprised of multiple indoor units.

[0010] In the fourth viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, compared to any of the first to third viewpoints, the first index is calculated using the value of a first parameter included in the time-series data. Based on the first index, the control unit determines whether at least two indoor units are similar. The control unit then classifies the at least two indoor units determined to be similar into the same first air conditioning zone.

[0011] In the fifth viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, compared to the air conditioning zoning methods of any of the first to third viewpoints, the first indicator is calculated using graphical time-series data. Based on the first indicator, the control unit determines whether at least two indoor units are similar. The control unit then classifies the at least two indoor units determined to be similar into the same first air conditioning zone.

[0012] In the sixth viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, in any of the first to fifth viewpoints, the control unit also obtains identification information of multiple indoor units. The control unit calculates a second index for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units included in the multiple indoor units. The second index is an indicator of the similarity between the identification information. Based on the second index, the control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into a first air conditioning zone.

[0013] In the seventh viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method, in any of the first to sixth viewpoints' air conditioning zoning methods, multiple indoor units are designated as either a mother indoor unit or a child indoor unit. The multiple indoor units include at least one mother indoor unit. The control unit also obtains mother-child information from the multiple indoor units, indicating whether an indoor unit is a mother or child indoor unit. Based on the mother-child information and timing data, the control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into one or more second air conditioning zones in such a way that each second air conditioning zone includes at least one mother indoor unit. The control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into one or more second air conditioning zones in such a way that a child indoor unit is classified into the same second air conditioning zone as the mother indoor unit determined to be most similar to itself based on a first criterion. The control unit calculates a first criterion for one or more combinations. The combination consists of at least two mother indoor units that are classified into different second air conditioning zones. The control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into first air conditioning zones based on the first criterion.

[0014] The seventh viewpoint's air conditioning zoning method classifies multiple indoor units into one or more second air conditioning zones based on parent-child information and time-series data, and then classifies them into one or more first air conditioning zones. This can suppress the computational cost of classifying multiple indoor units into one or more first air conditioning zones.

[0015] In the eighth viewpoint of the air conditioning zoning method, the control unit further obtains identification information of multiple indoor units. The control unit calculates a second index for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units comprised of multiple indoor units. The second index is an indicator of the similarity between the identification information. Based on the second index, the control unit classifies the multiple indoor units into a first air conditioning zone or a second air conditioning zone. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning system.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of the management device.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of multiple indoor units that make up an indoor unit group.

[0026] Figure 11A This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying multiple indoor units into one or more first air conditioning zones.

[0027] Figure 11B This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying multiple indoor units into one or more first air conditioning zones.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a graph representing an example of visualized time-series data. Detailed Implementation

[0029] (1) Overall structure

[0030] In the air conditioning system 1, the air conditioning zoning method classifies multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of air conditioning system 1. Air conditioning system 1 constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to regulate the air in one or more air-conditioned zones within building BL. In this embodiment, air conditioning system 1 is a so-called multi-split air conditioning system for buildings. Air conditioning system 1 can also be, for example, a central air conditioning system.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 1 includes a management device 10, a controller 40, and one or more refrigerant systems RS. Each refrigerant system RS includes an outdoor unit 30, multiple indoor units 20, and one or more remote controllers 70. The management device 10 and the controller 40 are connected in a communicable manner via a network NW such as the Internet. The controller 40 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected in a communicable manner via a communication line 91. The outdoor unit 30 and the indoor units 20 are connected in a communicable manner via a communication line 90.

[0032] The remote control 70 sends various signals to one or more corresponding indoor units 20. These signals include, for example, signals indicating the start and stop of operation, and signals related to various settings such as operating mode (cooling or heating), set temperature, set humidity, and airflow. For example, the start and stop times of operation for the one or more indoor units 20 corresponding to the remote control 70 are the same, and the operating mode, set temperature, set humidity, and airflow are set to the same. Furthermore, the one or more indoor units 20 corresponding to the remote control 70 are each set as either a parent indoor unit or a child indoor unit. The one or more indoor units 20 corresponding to the remote control 70 include at least one parent indoor unit.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit 50 of air conditioning system 1. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of air conditioning system 1. Figure 2 , 3 In the image, an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30 are shown as examples. Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected by a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51 and a gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 52, forming a refrigerant circuit 50.

[0034] (2) Detailed structure

[0035] (2-1) Indoor unit

[0036] Indoor unit 20, for example, is installed in the ceiling within building BL. Figure 2As shown, the indoor unit 20 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor expansion valve 23, and an indoor control unit 29. Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 includes various sensors such as an indoor suction temperature sensor 61 and an indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62. Additionally, the indoor unit 20 has a liquid refrigerant piping 53a connecting the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The indoor unit 20 also has a gaseous refrigerant piping 53b connecting the gaseous side of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to a gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 52.

[0037] The indoor heat exchanger 21 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing within the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the air-conditioned area. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a finned tube type heat exchanger with multiple heat transfer fins and multiple heat transfer tubes.

[0038] The indoor fan 22 draws air from the air-conditioned area into the indoor unit 20, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21 before being supplied to the air-conditioned area. The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbine fan or a Sirocco fan. The indoor fan 22 is driven by an indoor fan motor 22m. The speed of the indoor fan motor 22m can be controlled by a frequency converter.

[0039] The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism used to regulate the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the liquid refrigerant piping 53a. In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve 23 is an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting its opening degree.

[0040] The indoor intake temperature sensor 61 measures the temperature of the air drawn into the indoor unit 20. The indoor intake temperature sensor 61 is located near the air intake of the indoor unit 20.

[0041] The indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21 (the refrigerant temperature inside the indoor heat exchanger 21). During cooling operation, the refrigerant temperature is the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21. During heating operation, the refrigerant temperature is the condensation temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62 is located in the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0042] The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each component that makes up the indoor unit 20. For example... Figure 3As shown, the indoor control unit 29 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 22m and the indoor expansion valve 23. Furthermore, the indoor control unit 29 is communicatively connected to various sensors, such as the indoor intake temperature sensor 61 and the indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62. The indoor control unit 29 includes a control processing unit and a storage unit. The control processing unit is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage unit is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The control processing unit reads the program stored in the storage unit and performs prescribed calculations according to the program, thereby controlling the operation of each component constituting the indoor unit 20. Furthermore, the control processing unit can write the calculation results to the storage unit or read the information stored in the storage unit according to the program. The storage unit stores parent-child information 81 indicating whether the indoor unit 20 is a parent or child unit, and identification information of the indoor unit 20. The identification information of the indoor unit 20 is, for example, the device name of the indoor unit 20. The device name of the indoor unit 20 is represented by sequence data such as "Meeting Room 1-1".

[0043] The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals sent from the corresponding remote controller 70. In addition, the indoor control unit 29 exchanges various information with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 90, including control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0044] (2-2) Outdoor unit

[0045] The outdoor unit 30 is installed, for example, on the roof of building BL. Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit 30 mainly includes a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, a liquid receiver 35, an outdoor fan 36, a liquid-side shut-off valve 37, a gas-side shut-off valve 38, and an outdoor control unit 39. In addition, the outdoor unit 30 includes various sensors such as an external air temperature sensor 66. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 30 includes a suction pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gaseous refrigerant piping 54c and 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d.

[0046] The suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the suction side of the compressor 31. A liquid receiver 35 is installed in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 to the flow path switching valve 32. The gaseous refrigerant pipe 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant pipe 54d connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. An outdoor expansion valve 34 is installed in the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. A liquid-side shut-off valve 37 is installed at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The gaseous refrigerant pipe 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 52. A gas-side shut-off valve 38 is installed at the connection between the gaseous refrigerant pipe 54e and the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 52. The liquid-side shut-off valve 37 and the gas-side shut-off valve 38 are manually operated valves.

[0047] Compressor 31 draws in low-pressure refrigerant through suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant through a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant through discharge pipe 54b. Compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary or scroll compressor. The compression mechanism of compressor 31 is driven by compressor motor 31m. The speed of compressor motor 31m can be controlled by a frequency converter.

[0048] The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. When the flow path switching valve 32 is in the first state, as... Figure 2 As shown by the solid line inside the flow path switching valve 32, it connects the suction pipe 54a to the gaseous refrigerant pipe 54e and the discharge pipe 54b to the gaseous refrigerant pipe 54c. When the flow path switching valve 32 is in the second state, as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line inside the flow path switching valve 32, it connects the suction pipe 54a to the gaseous refrigerant piping 54c and the discharge pipe 54b to the gaseous refrigerant piping 54e. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state.

[0049] The outdoor heat exchanger 33 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing within it and the air outside the building BL. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is, for example, a finned tube type heat exchanger with multiple heat transfer fins and multiple heat transfer tubes.

[0050] The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism used to regulate the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is installed on the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is an electronic expansion valve with adjustable opening.

[0051] The receiver 35 is a container with a gas-liquid separation function that separates the incoming refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing into the receiver 35 is separated into gaseous and liquid refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant concentrated in the upper space flows into the compressor 31.

[0052] Outdoor fan 36 supplies outside air to outdoor heat exchanger 33. Outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan. Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor fan 36 is driven by the outdoor fan motor 36m. The speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m can be controlled by a frequency converter.

[0053] The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of the various components that make up the outdoor unit 30. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor control unit 39 is communicatively connected to the compressor motor 31m, flow path switching valve 32, outdoor expansion valve 34, and outdoor fan motor 36m. Furthermore, the outdoor control unit 39 is communicatively connected to various sensors, such as the external air temperature sensor 66. The outdoor control unit 39 includes a control processing unit and a storage unit. The control processing unit is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage unit is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The control processing unit reads the program stored in the storage unit and performs prescribed calculations according to the program, thereby controlling the operation of each component constituting the outdoor unit 30. Furthermore, the control processing unit can write the calculation results to the storage unit or read information stored in the storage unit according to the program.

[0054] The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges various information with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via communication line 90, including control signals, signals related to the measurement of various sensors, and signals related to various settings. Furthermore, the outdoor control unit 39 exchanges various information with the controller 40 via communication line 91, including control signals, signals related to the measurement of various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0055] (2-3) Controller

[0056] Controller 40 is a device, often referred to as a peripheral device, that centrally controls one or more refrigerant systems RS. Controller 40 is, for example, located in a server room within a building BL. Figure 3 As shown, the controller 40 mainly includes a storage unit 41, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 49.

[0057] Storage unit 41 contains storage media such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Storage unit 41 stores programs executed by control unit 49, data required for program execution, etc.

[0058] The communication unit 44 includes a network interface device for communicating with the management device 10 via the network NW, and a network interface device for communicating with the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 91.

[0059] The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 49 reads the program stored in the storage unit 41 and performs prescribed calculations according to the program, thereby centrally controlling one or more refrigerant systems RS. Furthermore, the control unit 49 can write the calculation results to the storage unit 41 or read information stored in the storage unit 41 according to the program.

[0060] The control unit 49 exchanges various information, such as control signals, measurement-related signals from various sensors, and setting-related signals, with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 91. Furthermore, the control unit 49 exchanges various information, such as control signals, measurement-related signals from various sensors, and setting-related signals, with the management device 10 via the network NW.

[0061] When the indoor unit 20 receives an instruction to start cooling operation from the remote controller 70, the control unit 49 switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the first state. Then, the control unit 49 adjusts the speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the refrigerant temperature (evaporation temperature) in the indoor heat exchanger 21 becomes the target refrigerant temperature received from the management device 10.

[0062] When the indoor unit 20 receives an instruction to start heating operation from the remote control 70, the control unit 49 switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the second state. Then, the control unit 49 adjusts the speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the refrigerant temperature (condensing temperature) in the indoor heat exchanger 21 becomes the target refrigerant temperature received from the management device 10.

[0063] (2-4) Management device

[0064] The management device 10 obtains various information from the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 via the controller 40, and sends information for controlling the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 to the controller 40. The management device 10 is, for example, located in the cloud. Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of the management device 10. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the management device 10 mainly includes a storage unit 11, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 19.

[0065] (2-4-1) Storage Department

[0066] Storage unit 11 contains storage media such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Storage unit 11 stores programs executed by control unit 19, data required for program execution, etc.

[0067] (2-4-2) Ministry of Communications

[0068] The communication unit 14 is a network interface device used to communicate with the controller 40 via the network NW.

[0069] (2-4-3) Control Department

[0070] The control unit 19 is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 19 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 11 to implement various functions of the management device 10. In addition, the control unit 19 can write the calculation results to the storage unit 11 or read the information stored in the storage unit 11 according to the program.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 19 has an acquisition unit 191, a classification unit 192, a learning unit 193, a prediction unit 194, and an instruction unit 195 as functional blocks.

[0072] (2-4-3-1) Obtaining the Department

[0073] The acquisition unit 191 periodically acquires operating data 83 from multiple indoor units 20 and one or more outdoor units 30 via the controller 40. The operating data 83 includes the outside air temperature of the building BL (measured by the outside air temperature sensor 66), the operating status of the indoor unit 20 (working or stopped), the operating mode, the set temperature, the indoor suction temperature (measured by the indoor suction temperature sensor 61), the refrigerant temperature (measured by the indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 62), and the airflow (calculated based on the speed of the indoor fan motor 22m).

[0074] Specifically, the acquisition unit 191 periodically acquires the value of the first parameter from the multiple indoor units 20 via the controller 40 as operation data 83. In other words, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the value of the first parameter from the multiple indoor units 20 via the controller 40 as timing data 82. The first parameter is a parameter representing the state of the indoor unit 20. The first parameter is, for example, the operating state, operating mode, set temperature, indoor suction temperature, and refrigerant temperature of the indoor unit 20. In this embodiment, the first parameter is a parameter that is jointly controlled among the multiple indoor units 20, such as the operating state, operating mode, and set temperature of the indoor unit 20. Hereinafter, it will be explained assuming that the first parameter is the set temperature.

[0075] The acquisition unit 191 stores the acquired operation data 83 (including timing data 82) in the storage unit 11.

[0076] In addition, the acquisition unit 191 acquires mother-child information 81 from multiple indoor units 20 via the controller 40. The acquisition unit 191 stores the acquired mother-child information 81 in the storage unit 11.

[0077] (2-4-3-2) Classification Department

[0078] Classification section 192 classifies the multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air-conditioning zones Z1. In other words, classification section 192 classifies the multiple indoor units 20 into one or more groups that perform air conditioning on the same air-conditioning zone.

[0079] As a first step, the classification department 192 determines the indoor unit 80 to be classified. The multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit 80 may all belong to the same refrigerant system RS, or some may belong to different refrigerant systems RS.

[0080] As a second step, the classification department 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air-conditioning zones Z2 based on the parent-child information 81 and the time series data 82.

[0081] First, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in such a way that each second air conditioning zone Z2 includes at least one parent indoor unit. In this embodiment, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in such a way that each second air conditioning zone Z2 includes a parent indoor unit. Figures 5-10 This diagram illustrates an example of multiple indoor units 20 that constitute an indoor unit 80. Figures 5-10 In the process, for each of the multiple indoor units 20 that constitute the indoor unit unit 80, the parent-child information 81 indicates whether it is a parent indoor unit or a child indoor unit.

[0082] In the first scenario, where all the indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit unit 80 are mother indoor units, the classification unit 192 classifies each of the indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit unit 80 into a second air conditioning zone Z2 that includes only itself. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, when the indoor unit 80 is composed of mother indoor units 20a to 20c, the classification section 192 classifies the mother indoor units 20a to 20c into the second air conditioning zones Z21 to Z23, which only include themselves.

[0083] As a second scenario, if the parent indoor unit among the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit 80 is a single unit, the classification section 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into a second air conditioning zone Z2. For example... Figure 6As shown, when the indoor unit 80 consists of a mother indoor unit 20a and daughter indoor units 20b and 20c, the classification unit 192 classifies the mother indoor unit 20a and daughter indoor units 20b and 20c into a second air conditioning zone Z21.

[0084] As a third scenario, in cases other than the first and second scenarios described above, the classification unit 192 first calculates a first index for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units 20 included in the indoor unit group 80. In this embodiment, the classification unit 192 calculates the first index for all combinations consisting of a sub-indoor unit and a parent indoor unit (two indoor units 20) included in the indoor unit group 80.

[0085] The first metric is the similarity between the time-series data 82. Examples of first-order metrics include consistency, DTW (Dynamic Time Warping), Manhattan distance, and Euclidean distance. Hereinafter, we will assume consistency as the first metric. Consistency is calculated using the set temperature values ​​included in the time-series data 82. For example, consistency is the ratio of the number of times the set temperature is consistent between the two indoor units 20 to the total number of times included in the time-series data 82. Figure 7 As shown, when the indoor unit 80 is composed of mother indoor units 20a, 20b, 20d, and 20f and daughter indoor units 20c and 20e, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency degree for eight combinations: daughter indoor unit 20c with mother indoor unit 20a, daughter indoor unit 20c with mother indoor unit 20b, and daughter indoor unit 20e with mother indoor unit 20a. Table 1 below shows the consistency degree between the timing data 82 of daughter indoor unit 20c and the timing data 82 of each of the mother indoor units 20a, 20b, 20d, and 20f. As shown in Table 1, for example, the timing data 82 of the set temperature of the sub-indoor unit 20c and the timing data 82 of the set temperature of the mother indoor unit 20a are consistent in 7 out of 10 times. Therefore, the consistency between the timing data 82 of the set temperature of the sub-indoor unit 20c and the timing data 82 of the set temperature of the mother indoor unit 20a (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the consistency between the sub-indoor unit 20c and the mother indoor unit 20a, etc.) is 0.7.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] Next, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in such a way that each sub-indoor unit is classified into the same second air conditioning zone Z2 as the parent indoor unit that is determined to be most similar to itself based on consistency. In this embodiment, the greater the consistency, the greater the degree of similarity determined by the classification unit 192. Furthermore, when the first index is DTW, Manhattan distance, and Euclidean distance, the smaller the DTW, Manhattan distance, and Euclidean distance, the greater the degree of similarity determined by the classification unit 192. In Table 1, the parent indoor unit with the highest consistency with sub-indoor unit 20c is parent indoor unit 20b; therefore, the classification unit 192 determines that parent indoor unit 20b is the parent indoor unit most similar to sub-indoor unit 20c. Then, as... Figure 7 As shown, classification section 192 classifies the sub-indoor unit 20c into the same second air conditioning zone Z21 as the parent indoor unit 20b. Figure 7 In this process, the classification unit 192 performs the same operation on the sub-indoor unit 20e as on the sub-indoor unit 20c, thereby classifying the sub-indoor unit 20e into the second air conditioning zone Z22, which is the same as the parent indoor unit 20d. Furthermore, if there are multiple parent indoor units with the highest similarity to the sub-indoor unit, the classification unit 192 will randomly select one of the parent indoor units with the highest similarity to the sub-indoor unit and determine it as the parent indoor unit most similar to the sub-indoor unit.

[0088] Finally, classification section 192 classifies the parent indoor units that have not yet been classified into the second air conditioning zone Z2 into the second air conditioning zone Z2, which only includes themselves. Figure 7 In the middle, the classification department 192 classifies the main indoor unit 20a into the second air conditioning zone Z23, and classifies the main indoor unit 20f into the second air conditioning zone Z24.

[0089] As a third step, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into a first air-conditioning zone Z1. If, as in the second case described above, the indoor unit 80 is classified into a second air-conditioning zone Z2, the classification unit 192 treats that second air-conditioning zone Z2 as the first air-conditioning zone Z1. For example, in... Figure 6 In the case where the main indoor unit 20a and the sub-indoor units 20b and 20c are classified into a second air conditioning zone Z21, such as Figure 9 As shown, the classification unit 192 classifies the second air-conditioning zone Z21 as the first air-conditioning zone Z11.

[0090] As in the first and third scenarios described above, if the indoor unit 80 is classified into multiple second air conditioning zones Z2, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1 based on consistency.

[0091] First, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency score for one or more combinations. Each combination consists of at least two parent indoor units that are different from the classified second air conditioning zone Z2. In this embodiment, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency score for all combinations consisting of two parent indoor units that are different from the classified second air conditioning zone Z2. Next, based on the consistency score, the classification unit 192 determines whether the two parent indoor units are similar for all combinations. In this embodiment, if the consistency score of the two parent indoor units is greater than a predetermined threshold, the classification unit 192 determines that the two parent indoor units are similar. The classification unit 192 merges the two second air conditioning zones Z2, each including the two parent indoor units determined to be similar, into a single first air conditioning zone Z1. If merging the second air conditioning zones Z2 results in one parent indoor unit being included in multiple first air conditioning zones Z1, the classification unit 192 further merges these multiple first air conditioning zones Z1 into a single first air conditioning zone Z1. Finally, the classification unit 192 treats the unmerged second air conditioning zones Z2 as distinct first air conditioning zones Z1.

[0092] For example, in Figure 5 In the case where the classification department 192 determines that only the main indoor unit 20a and the main indoor unit 20b are similar, such as Figure 8 As shown, the classification unit 192 merges the second air-conditioning regions Z21 and Z22 into the first air-conditioning region Z11. Furthermore, the classification unit 192 classifies the second air-conditioning region Z23 as the first air-conditioning region Z12.

[0093] For example, in Figure 7 In cases where classification department 192 determines that only the mother indoor unit 20a is similar to the mother indoor unit 20b, and the mother indoor unit 20d is similar to the mother indoor unit 20f, such as Figure 10 As shown, the classification unit 192 merges the second air-conditioning regions Z21 and Z23 into the first air-conditioning region Z11, and merges the second air-conditioning regions Z22 and Z24 into the first air-conditioning region Z12.

[0094] (2-4-3-3) Study Department

[0095] Learning Unit 193 learns a load model L1 for predicting the heat load of one or more first air-conditioned zones Z1. The following is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the cases where indoor units 20a and 20b are classified into the first air conditioning zone Z11 and indoor unit 20c is classified into the first air conditioning zone Z12 are explained.

[0096] The learning unit 193 stores the external air temperature of building BL (measured by the external air temperature sensor 66 in the outdoor unit 30 connected to indoor units 20a and 20b, which is obtained by the acquisition unit 191 at the same time point) and the indoor temperature of the first air-conditioned zone Z11 (measured by the indoor intake temperature sensor 61 in the indoor units 20a and 20b, which is the average of the measured values ​​of the external air temperature sensor 66 when there are multiple indoor units 20) in association with the calculated heat load of the first air-conditioned zone Z11, and uses the associated stored data as learning data for the load model L11 that predicts the heat load of the first air-conditioned zone Z11. Similarly, the learning unit 193 stores the external air temperature of building BL (measured by the external air temperature sensor 66 in the outdoor unit 30 connected to the indoor unit 20c) and the indoor temperature of the first air-conditioned zone Z12 (measured by the indoor intake temperature sensor 61 in the indoor unit 20c) at the same time point obtained by the acquisition unit 191 in association with the calculated heat load of the first air-conditioned zone Z12, and uses the associated stored data as learning data for the load model L12 that predicts the heat load of the first air-conditioned zone Z12. In other words, the learning unit 193 learns the load models L11 and L12 for each of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12, which predict the heat load of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12 based on the external air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperatures of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12. The load models L11 and L12 are, for example, machine learning models, statistical models, and physical models.

[0097] The learning unit 193 calculates the heat load of the first air-conditioning zones Z11 and Z12 using a heat exchange function. The heat exchange function is a formula relating the airflow, refrigerant temperature, indoor suction temperature, and heat exchange quantity of the indoor units 20a-20c. The learning unit 193 calculates the heat exchange quantity of the indoor units 20a-20c by inputting the airflow, refrigerant temperature, and indoor suction temperature of the indoor units 20a-20c, obtained by the acquisition unit 191, into the heat exchange function. Then, for each of the first air-conditioning zones Z11 and Z12 to which the indoor units 20a-20c are classified, the learning unit 193 adds up the calculated heat exchange quantities of the indoor units 20a-20c and uses these sums as the heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z11 or Z12. For example, the heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z11 is the sum of the heat exchange quantities of indoor unit 20a and indoor unit 20b. The heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z12 is the heat exchange quantity of indoor unit 20c.

[0098] The learning unit 193 stores the learned load models L11 and L12 in the storage unit 11.

[0099] (2-4-3-4) Forecasting Department

[0100] The forecasting unit 194 uses the load model L1 to predict the future heat load for one or more first air-conditioning zones Z1 and determines the target refrigerant temperature of the multiple indoor units 20 that constitute the indoor unit 80.

[0101] Whenever the external air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperature of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12 are acquired by acquisition unit 191, prediction unit 194 predicts the heat load (future heat load) of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12 after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) from the data acquisition time. Specifically, prediction unit 194 predicts the heat load of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12 after a predetermined time from the data acquisition time by inputting the external air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperature of the first air-conditioned zones Z11 and Z12 after a predetermined time from the data acquisition time into load models L11 and L12. For example, the external air temperature of building BL after a predetermined time from the data acquisition time is predicted using a model that learns from data that correlates previously acquired external air temperatures with external air temperatures after a predetermined time.

[0102] The prediction unit 194 uses the predicted future heat load of the first air-conditioning zones Z11 and Z12 to calculate the future heat load handled by the indoor units 20a to 20c. For example, the prediction unit 194 calculates the future heat load handled by the indoor units 20a and 20b based on the predicted future heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z11 and the positional relationship of the indoor units 20a and 20b. For example, the prediction unit 194 weights the predicted future heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z11 according to whether the indoor units 20a and 20b are located in the peripheral area or the internal area, and proportionally distributes the heat load handled by the indoor units 20a and 20b to their respective heat loads. Furthermore, for example, the prediction unit 194 uses the predicted future heat load of the first air-conditioning zone Z12 as the future heat load handled by the indoor unit 20c.

[0103] The prediction unit 194 uses the future heat load handled by indoor units 20a-20c to determine the target refrigerant temperature of indoor units 20a-20c. For example, the prediction unit 194 determines the target refrigerant temperature of indoor units 20a-20c by inputting the airflow, indoor suction temperature, and heat load of indoor units 20a-20c after a predetermined time elapsed from the data acquisition time into the heat exchange function. For example, the airflow after a predetermined time elapsed from the data acquisition time is predicted using a model that learns from data that correlates previously acquired airflow with the airflow after a predetermined time elapsed.

[0104] (2-4-3-5) Instruction Section

[0105] The instruction unit 195 sends the target refrigerant temperature of the plurality of indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit unit 80, determined by the prediction unit 194, to the controller 40. In this case, the controller 40 performs feedforward control on the plurality of indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit unit 80.

[0106] The indicator unit 195 may also send the target refrigerant temperature, determined by a heat exchange function based on measured values ​​from various sensors of the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit 80, obtained by the acquisition unit 191. In this case, the controller 40 performs feedback control on the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit 80.

[0107] (3) Processing

[0108] use Figure 11A , 11B The flowchart illustrates an example of the process of classifying multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1.

[0109] As shown in step S1, the air conditioning system 1 determines the indoor unit 80 to be classified.

[0110] When step S1 ends, as shown in step S2, the air conditioning system 1 determines whether all of the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit group 80 are mother indoor units. If all are mother indoor units, proceed to step S3. If the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit group 80 include child indoor units, proceed to step S4.

[0111] When moving from step S2 to step S3, the air conditioning system 1 classifies the multiple indoor units 20 that constitute the indoor unit 80 into the second air conditioning zone Z2, which only includes itself.

[0112] When proceeding from step S2 to step S4, the air conditioning system 1 determines whether there is a single mother indoor unit among the multiple indoor units 20 constituting the indoor unit unit 80. If there is a single mother indoor unit, proceed to step S5. If there is no single mother indoor unit, proceed to step S6.

[0113] When moving from step S4 to step S5, the air conditioning system 1 classifies the indoor unit 80 into a second air conditioning zone Z2.

[0114] When moving from step S4 to step S6, the air conditioning system 1 calculates the consistency for all combinations consisting of a sub-indoor unit and a parent indoor unit included in the indoor unit 80.

[0115] When step S6 ends, as shown in step S7, the air conditioning system 1 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in the following manner: each sub-indoor unit is classified into the same second air conditioning zone Z2 as the parent indoor unit that is determined to be most similar to itself based on consistency.

[0116] When step S7 ends, as shown in step S8, the air conditioning system 1 will classify the parent indoor units that have not yet been classified into the second air conditioning zone Z2 into the second air conditioning zone Z2 that only includes themselves.

[0117] When steps S3, S5, and S8 are completed, as shown in step S9, the air conditioning system 1 determines whether the indoor unit 80 is classified as a second air conditioning zone Z2. If the indoor unit 80 is classified as a second air conditioning zone Z2, proceed to step S10. If the indoor unit 80 is classified as multiple second air conditioning zones Z2, proceed to step S11.

[0118] When moving from step S9 to step S10, the air conditioning system 1 uses the second air conditioning zone Z2 as the first air conditioning zone Z1.

[0119] When moving from step S9 to step S11, the air conditioning system 1 calculates the consistency degree for all combinations composed of two different parent indoor units of the classified second air conditioning zone Z2.

[0120] When step S11 ends, as shown in step S12, the air conditioning system 1 merges the two second air conditioning zones Z2, which each include two mother indoor units that are determined to be similar, into a first air conditioning zone Z1. When the result of merging the second air conditioning zones Z2 is that one mother indoor unit is included in multiple first air conditioning zones Z1, the classification unit 192 further merges these multiple first air conditioning zones Z1 into a single first air conditioning zone Z1.

[0121] When step S12 ends, as shown in step S13, the air conditioning system 1 will treat the second air conditioning area Z2, which has not yet been merged, as the first air conditioning area Z1, which is different from each other.

[0122] (4) Characteristics

[0123] (4-1)

[0124] Previously, there was a technology that classified multiple indoor units into one or more air-conditioning zones based on the set temperature of multiple indoor units at a specific time.

[0125] For example, if two indoor units that are far apart have the same set temperature at a specific time, there is a problem in the prior art that these two indoor units may be classified into the same air-conditioning zone.

[0126] In this embodiment, the air conditioning zoning method classifies multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1 in an air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 has multiple indoor units 20 and a control unit 19. The control unit 19 obtains the set temperature (first parameter) value from the multiple indoor units 20 as timing data 82. The set temperature (first parameter) represents the state of the indoor unit 20. The control unit 19 calculates a consistency degree (first index) for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units 20 included in the multiple indoor units 20. The consistency degree (first index) is an index of the similarity between the timing data 82. Based on the consistency degree (first index), the control unit 19 classifies the multiple indoor units 20 into first air conditioning zones Z1.

[0127] In the air conditioning zoning method of this embodiment, the control unit 19 obtains the set temperature (first parameter) value from a plurality of indoor units 20 as time-series data 82. The control unit 19 calculates a consistency degree (first index) for one or more combinations. A combination consists of at least two indoor units 20 included in the plurality of indoor units 20. The consistency degree (first index) is an index of the similarity between the time-series data 82. Based on the consistency degree (first index), the control unit 19 classifies the plurality of indoor units 20 into a first air conditioning zone Z1.

[0128] As a result, the air conditioning zoning method is able to more accurately classify multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1.

[0129] (4-2)

[0130] In the air conditioning zoning method of this embodiment, the set temperature (first parameter) is a parameter that is jointly controlled among multiple indoor units 20.

[0131] (4-3)

[0132] In the air conditioning zoning method of this embodiment, the control unit 19 calculates a consistency degree (first index) for one or more combinations. The combination consists of two indoor units 20, which are comprised of a plurality of indoor units 20.

[0133] (4-4)

[0134] In the air conditioning zoning method of this embodiment, the consistency (first index) is calculated using the set temperature (first parameter) value included in the timing data 82. Based on the consistency (first index), the control unit 19 determines whether at least two indoor units 20 are similar. The control unit 19 classifies the at least two indoor units 20 that are determined to be similar into the same first air conditioning zone Z1.

[0135] (4-5)

[0136] In the air conditioning zoning method of this embodiment, a plurality of indoor units 20 are designated as either a parent indoor unit or a child indoor unit. The plurality of indoor units 20 includes at least one parent indoor unit. The control unit 19 also obtains parent-child information 81 from the plurality of indoor units 20, indicating whether an indoor unit 20 is a parent or a child indoor unit. Based on the parent-child information 81 and timing data 82, the control unit 19 classifies the plurality of indoor units 20 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 such that each second air conditioning zone Z2 includes at least one parent indoor unit. The control unit 19 classifies the plurality of indoor units 20 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in such a way that a child indoor unit is classified into the same second air conditioning zone Z2 as the parent indoor unit that is determined to be most similar to itself based on consistency (first index). The control unit 19 calculates a consistency (first index) for one or more combinations. The combination consists of at least two parent indoor units that are different from the second air conditioning zones Z2 to which they are classified. Based on the consistency (first index), the control unit 19 classifies the plurality of indoor units 20 into a first air conditioning zone Z1.

[0137] As a result, after classifying multiple indoor units 20 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 based on parent-child information 81 and time-series data 82, the air conditioning zoning method classifies them into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1, thereby suppressing the computational cost of classifying multiple indoor units 20 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1.

[0138] (5) Variations

[0139] (5-1) Variation 1A

[0140] In this embodiment, after classifying the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air-conditioning zones Z2 based on parent-child information 81 and time sequence data 82, the air-conditioning system 1 classifies it into one or more first air-conditioning zones Z1.

[0141] However, the air conditioning system 1 may also classify the indoor unit 80 into one or more first air conditioning zones Z1 without using the parent-child information 81.

[0142] First, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency degree for all combinations consisting of two indoor units 20 included in the indoor unit unit 80. Next, based on the consistency degree, the classification unit 192 determines whether the two indoor units 20 are similar for all combinations. For example, if the consistency degree of the two indoor units 20 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the classification unit 192 determines that the two indoor units 20 are similar. Then, the classification unit 192 classifies the two indoor units 20 determined to be similar into the same first air conditioning zone Z1. Finally, indoor units 20 that have not yet been classified into the first air conditioning zone Z1 are each classified into a first air conditioning zone Z1 that includes only themselves.

[0143] Furthermore, the classification unit 192 can also calculate the consistency degree for all combinations consisting of three or more indoor units 20 included in the indoor unit unit 80. For example, the consistency degree is the ratio of the number of times when the set temperature is consistent among the three or more indoor units 20 to the total number of times included in the time series data 82. Next, based on the consistency degree, the classification unit 192 determines whether the three or more indoor units 20 are similar for all combinations. For example, if the consistency degree of the three or more indoor units 20 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the classification unit 192 determines that the three or more indoor units 20 are similar. Next, the classification unit 192 classifies the three or more indoor units 20 determined to be similar into the same first air conditioning zone Z1. Next, if there are indoor units 20 included in two or more first air conditioning zones Z1, the classification unit 192 merges these first air conditioning zones Z1 into one. Finally, the indoor units 20 that have not yet been classified into a first air conditioning zone Z1 are classified into a first air conditioning zone Z1 that includes only themselves.

[0144] (5-2) Variation 1B

[0145] In this embodiment, the first index is calculated using the value of the first parameter included in the time series data 82. However, the first index can also be calculated using the graphical time series data 82.

[0146] Figure 12 This is a diagram representing an example of visualized time-series data 82. In Figure 12 In this context, the first parameter is the set temperature. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the timing data 82 of indoor unit 20a and the timing data 82 of indoor unit 20b have different set temperatures between t2 and t3. When the first metric is consistency, consistency is, for example, the ratio of the number of pixels with consistent pixel values ​​to the total number of pixels.

[0147] (5-3) Variation 1C

[0148] In this embodiment, the classification unit 192 classifies the indoor unit 80 into one or more second air conditioning zones Z2 in such a way that each sub-indoor unit is classified into the same second air conditioning zone Z2 as the parent indoor unit that is most similar to it based on the consistency (first index) between the sub-indoor unit and the time-series data 82 based on the set temperature (first parameter). In this case, if there are multiple parent indoor units with the highest consistency with the sub-indoor units, the classification unit 192 randomly selects a parent indoor unit from the parent indoor units with the highest consistency with the sub-indoor units and determines it as the parent indoor unit most similar to the sub-indoor unit.

[0149] However, when there are multiple mother indoor units that have the highest similarity to the daughter indoor units, the classification unit 192 can also determine the mother indoor unit that is most similar to the daughter indoor unit in more detail.

[0150] For example, the acquisition unit 191 also acquires the identification information of the indoor units 20 from multiple indoor units 20 via the controller 40. Hereinafter, it will be explained assuming that the identification information of the indoor unit 20 is the device name of the indoor unit 20. The classification unit 192 calculates a second index for all combinations consisting of sub-indoor units and parent indoor units with the highest similarity to the sub-indoor units. The second index is an index of the similarity between device names. The second index is, for example, the similarity of sequence data. The greater the similarity of the sequence data, the greater the degree of similarity determined by the classification unit 192. The classification unit 192 determines the parent indoor unit with the highest similarity to the sequence data of the sub-indoor units among the parent indoor units with the highest consistency with the sub-indoor units as the parent indoor unit most similar to the sub-indoor units.

[0151] Furthermore, when there are multiple parent indoor units with the highest similarity to the sequence data of the sub-indoor units, for example, the classification unit 192 can also calculate another first index between the time-series data 82 of another first parameter for all combinations composed of the sub-indoor units and each parent indoor unit with the highest similarity to the sequence data of the sub-indoor units. For example, the classification unit 192 calculates the DTW (first index) between the time-series data 82 of the indoor intake temperature (first parameter) for all combinations composed of the sub-indoor units and each parent indoor unit with the highest similarity to the sequence data of the sub-indoor units. The classification unit 192 determines the parent indoor unit with the smallest DTW with the sub-indoor units among the parent indoor units with the highest similarity to the sequence data of the sub-indoor units as the parent indoor unit most similar to the sub-indoor units. When there are multiple parent indoor units with the smallest DTW with the sub-indoor units, the classification unit 192 determines the parent indoor unit randomly selected from the parent indoor units with the smallest DTW with the sub-indoor units as the parent indoor unit most similar to the sub-indoor units.

[0152] (5-4) Variation 1D

[0153] In this embodiment, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency between the time-series data 82 of the set temperature (first parameter) for all combinations of two different parent indoor units in the classified second air conditioning zone Z2, and determines whether the two parent indoor units are similar.

[0154] However, the classification unit 192 can also calculate the consistency between the time series data 82 of the first parameter of multiple categories for all combinations of two different parent indoor units that are classified into the second air conditioning zone Z2, and determine whether the two parent indoor units are similar.

[0155] For example, the classification unit 192 calculates the consistency between the timing data 82 of the set temperature and the consistency between the timing data 82 of the operating status for two mother indoor units. If each consistency is greater than the predetermined threshold set separately, the two mother indoor units are determined to be similar.

[0156] Furthermore, the classification unit 192 can also calculate the consistency between the time-series data 82 of the set temperature and the similarity of the sequence data shown in the modified example 1C for all combinations composed of two different mother indoor units in the classified second air-conditioning zone Z2, and determine whether the two mother indoor units are similar.

[0157] For example, if the consistency between the time-series data 82 of the set temperature and the similarity between the sequence data are greater than the respective set thresholds, the classification unit 192 determines that the two parent indoor units are similar.

[0158] Furthermore, the method for determining whether two parent indoor units are similar in this modified example can also be applied to the case of determining whether two indoor units 20 are similar in modified example 1A.

[0159] (5-5)

[0160] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in manner and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0161] Label Explanation

[0162] 1. Air conditioning system

[0163] 19 Control Department

[0164] 20 indoor units

[0165] 81 Mother and Child Information

[0166] 82-series data

[0167] Z1 First Air Conditioning Zone

[0168] Z2 Second Air Conditioning Zone

[0169] Existing technical documents

[0170] Patent documents

[0171] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-009895

Claims

1. An air conditioning zoning method, wherein in an air conditioning system (1) having multiple indoor units (20) and a control unit (19), the multiple indoor units are classified into one or more first air conditioning zones (Z1), wherein, The control unit The value of the first parameter representing the state of the indoor unit is obtained from the plurality of indoor units as time-series data (82). For one or more combinations consisting of at least two indoor units, including the plurality of indoor units, a first index is calculated as an indicator of the similarity between the time-series data. Based on the first indicator, the plurality of indoor units are classified into the first air-conditioning zone.

2. The air conditioning zoning method according to claim 1, wherein, The first parameter is a parameter that is jointly controlled among the plurality of indoor units.

3. The air conditioning zoning method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit calculates the first index for one or more combinations consisting of two indoor units included in the plurality of indoor units.

4. The air conditioning zoning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first metric is calculated using the value of the first parameter included in the time-series data. The control unit Based on the first indicator, determine whether at least two indoor units are similar. At least two indoor units that are deemed similar will be classified into the same first air conditioning zone.

5. The air conditioning zoning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first metric is calculated using the visualized time-series data. The control unit Based on the first indicator, determine whether at least two indoor units are similar. At least two indoor units that are deemed similar will be classified into the same first air conditioning zone.

6. The air conditioning zoning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control unit It also obtains the identification information of the indoor units from the multiple indoor units. For one or more combinations consisting of at least two indoor units, including the plurality of indoor units, a second index is calculated as an indicator of the similarity between the identification information. Based on the second indicator, the plurality of indoor units are classified into the first air-conditioning zone.

7. The air conditioning zoning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The plurality of indoor units are configured as either a mother indoor unit or a daughter indoor unit. The plurality of indoor units includes at least one of the parent indoor units. The control unit It also obtains parent-child information (81) from the plurality of indoor units, indicating whether the indoor unit is the parent indoor unit or the child indoor unit. Based on the parent-child information and the time-series data, the plurality of indoor units are classified into one or more second air conditioning zones (Z2) in such a way that each second air conditioning zone includes at least one of the parent indoor units, and the child indoor units are classified into the same second air conditioning zone as the parent indoor unit that is determined to be most similar to itself based on the first indicator. The first index is calculated for one or more combinations consisting of at least two parent indoor units, each belonging to a different second air conditioning zone. Based on the first indicator, the plurality of indoor units are classified into the first air-conditioning zone.

8. The air conditioning zoning method according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit It also obtains the identification information of the indoor units from the multiple indoor units. For one or more combinations consisting of at least two indoor units, including the plurality of indoor units, a second index is calculated as an indicator of the similarity between the identification information. Based on the second indicator, the plurality of indoor units are classified into the first air-conditioning zone or the second air-conditioning zone.

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